This project encompasses transitional housing for the elderly, daycare for adults (primarily Alzheimer’s patients), education and fundraising, and community outreach functions; it was co-developed by Bridge Housing and the Institute on Aging. The landscape features a glass-enclosed central courtyard houses a water feature, large planters filled with large-timber black bamboo, embedded boulders and seating. The bamboo is a symbol of a firm and noble person who bends in the wind but never breaks; the boulders symbolize longevity. Paving is designed according to feng shui principles: The entry patterns are meandering and the central water feature has ripples of paving for energy in facilitating the flow of chi.

CLIENT

Bridge Housing and the Institute on Aging

CATEGORY

Housing

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JACK LONDON GATEWAY

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

In 2009, Keller Mitchell worked with SGPA Design to build 60 Senior apartments with associated enclosed garden spaces and future retail spaces at the ground level. Keller Mitchell's roles included site development, construction documents and construction observation. The landscape design featured multiple raised garden beds for tenant’s use, meandering pathways for strolling and is a certified Bay Friendly Landscape. They were awarded the PCPB Gold Nugget Award for Green Point rated community of the year as well as the PCPB Gold Nugget Award of Merit for best infill, redevelopment or rehab site plan.

CLIENT

East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation

CATEGORY

Housing

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LIONS CREEK HOUSING

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

New affordable apartments and market-rate housing complex. Phase 1-3 comprises 386 units on a 15-acre site. The buildings are sited to direct views toward the central green five-acre park on the internal pedestrian courtyard "streets". The complex incorporates three different play areas for children. Some mixed uses include a HUD childcare center, social services and community gathering rooms. Grassy berms provide seating as well as a shared play area for residents. Coordinations with the designer of the adjacent relocated park facilitated the development of access points into the park. Plant materials were selected for their seasonal color and variety.

CLIENT

Kim McKay

CATEGORY

Housing

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SANTANA ROW

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

Podium-level courtyard and garden, two levels of parking and retail on the ground level of this four-story building featuring 120 one-and two-bedroom luxury apartments in an upscale, urban development. The project objective was to develop a secluded oasis for recreation and relaxation for the use and enjoyment of residents within this dense, urban project. A 10-foot spa is centered on a classical-shaped swimming pool and a semi-circular trellis anchors one end of the recreational swimming terrace. A fountain-also classical in character-is centered on the pool at the lower terrace which serves as a breakout space to the clubhouse to accommodate a wide range of gatherings. Detailing, materials and plant materials are all Mediterranean character to complement the surrounding architecture.

CLIENT

MBH Architects

CATEGORY

Housing

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PLEASANTON RESIDENCE

PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA

Hawai’i in California. The clients wanted to have a tropical escape within their Mediterranean estate. As well, the swimming pool was central to their lifestyle; thus, the design was based on a tropical grotto with rocks built to create a swimming cavern for exploring children, divers at the pool, and relaxing under tumbling water. The homesite was landscaped with tropical plants that can withstand the dry heat of the California summer. Amy Cupples was Studio Director and Project Manager at InSite while working on this project.

CATEGORY

Housing

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RUTHERFORD RESIDENCE

NAPA, CALIFORNIA

On the top of a mountain with 360 degree views of Napa valley, the design for this home and garden was based on the Mediterranean and wine lifestyle of the valley and the integration of house and landscape. Native and Mediterranean plants were selected for their ease of maintenance; local and natural materials were selected for blending into the picturesque countryside. A full kitchen garden was installed alongside the outdoor kitchen and dining area. Amy Cupples was Studio Director and Project Manager at InSite while working on this project.

CATEGORY

Housing

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YOUNTVILLE RESIDENCE

NAPA, CALIFORNIA

At the peak of a central mountain in Napa Valley, this residence overlooks the family vineyards and winery. The landscape stepped down from the main floor of the residence toward the growing grape vines with multiple levels for entertaining and relaxing by the pool. The design included an outdoor dining area for expansive parties balanced as well as an infinity edge swimming pool for gazing at the valley view below. Amy was Studio Director and Project Manager at InSite while working on this project.

CATEGORY

Housing

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CARMEL VALLEY RESIDENCE

CARMEL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Nestled into the hillside of Carmel Valley among the Oak Trees and native shrubs, this house was designed to mimic a house built over the centuries of a changing and growing family. Rambling across the site and around the existing trees, the landscape features include an entry court which can double as an event space, a full outdoor kitchen, dining areas and a pool that doubles as a fountain for evening gatherings. Amy was Senior Associate and Project Manager at Hart Howerton while working on this project.